Vodacom NXT LVL
Just few months back Vodacom launched a new cool campaign called ‘Vodacom NXT LVL’ to help kids in Mzansi become the biggest soccer stars of tomorrow (both boys & girls). Vodacom NXT LVL combines football and education. And we’re excited to share this with you. This was all nothing but fun from the Bootcamp, at fun day at Gold ReefCity and hectic finale match.
onto the Bootcamp
It all started with a nationwide talent search, including some remote areas of Mzansi, and the initiative received over a thousand entrants.
New talent scouting @ Tsakane Stadium #VodacomNXTLVL pic.twitter.com/FmAkXV74jE
— yomzansi.com (@yoMzansi) June 11, 2016
Four months ago we got to experience the Vodacom NXT LVL action, and went to spend a day at Tsakane Sports Stadium with the talented kids who were there to participate in the selection stage before the bootcamp. Mzansi’s soccer stars who were present includes Jabulani Mendu and Edward Motale who were there to supervise the kids.
The day allowed the kids to first register and were put on the field to play their positions (goalkeeper, middle-fielder,defender or striker) with supervision of Mendu and Motale. Then from there on only 100 players were selected after an exciting watch of proving their skills.
The 100 players with the most votes got their game with Legendary stars Lucas Radebe, Shorty Ndludlu and Mark Fish.
Then four days into the bootcamp,the players were trimmed from 100 to 32. Who were then to battle it out in a finale match to get full scholarships to TUKS Sports High School.
a day at Gold Reef City…
But before the big day, we got to spend time with the Top 32 at the Gold Reef City.
Such a fun day #VodacomNXTLVL pic.twitter.com/ixTKERbcRp
— yomzansi.com (@yoMzansi) September 30, 2016
The day was all fun from getting to know most of the players, to getting all wild on different rides. The day started with media interviews to share our experience about the Vodacom NXT LVL. Then went to get on different rides then wrapped the day with some lunch.
But that was not it, and to the big day…
The remaining 32, divided into two groups of 16 #TeamFish and #Teamradebe, played for a full bursary at TuksSport High School that will cover their education until matric while the runner ups will each receive R50 000 paid toward their education through a fund administered by the Vodacom Foundation.
Edward Motale was part of the coaching staff of the winning team, along with Mark Fish and Portia Modise with DeshiBhaktawer the goalkeeper coach. Team Fish won 2-1 on Sunday at Tuks Stadium. The runner ups were coached by Lucas Radebe, Simphiwe Dludlu and Cyril Nzama with Andre Arendse serving as their goalkeeper coach.
Vodacom NXT LVL is a dream come true..
This was a dream come true for the 16 kids who won the game, including Diteboho Mothabeng (16) who could barely contain his excitement after his side, Team Mark Fish, won the Vodacom NXT LVL exhibition match.
It's #VodacomNXTLVL Final match today as Top 32 battle it out! All the best to both teams ⚽️ @Vodacom pic.twitter.com/u9mGMBWqIp
— yomzansi.com (@yoMzansi) October 2, 2016
This will see Mothabeng and his teammates who made up the 16 players in Team Mark Fish each get a full bursary to study at TuksSport High School from next year until they pass their matric.
After all the hardowrk and dedication this was an exciting experience and to see the dreams of these kids come true. All thanks to Vodacom and the soccer stars who dedicated the time and effort to make this a reality.
